Heating panel with floating floor structure

ABSTRACT

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating panel comprises a base plate, a plurality of holders formed on a first surface of the base plate, a plurality of supporting cups projected from a second surface of the base plate, the second surface positioned opposite the first surface, a plurality of noise removing cups projected from the second surface of the base plate, and a plurality of screw members respectively screwed to the plurality of supporting cups to allow the base plate to float over a floor where the heating panel is placed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2014-0086527, filed on Jul. 10, 2014, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention concern panels for heating rooms,and more specifically, to heating panels with a floating structure,enabling easier assembly and installation of heating panels.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

A few panels for floor heating came to the market, which mostly utilizecarbon films or electroconductive materials that may generate heat byelectric power. However, such types of heating panels are considered tobe harmful for human health due to electromagnetic radiations from thematerials.

As a replacement approach to the electric carbon heating panels, Koreantraditional underfloor heating systems, called ondol, gain popularity.However, the traditional or conventional ondol installation is quiteburdensome and is time consuming. Accordingly, a recent trend isoriented towards easier installation of an ondol heating system in amore simplified manner. Further, when installed in a multi-story housebuilding, such as an apartment house or condominium, inter-floor noiseneed to be taken into account. Therefore, a need exists for aneasy-to-install structure that presents reduced noise.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating panelcomprises a base plate, a plurality of holders formed on a first surfaceof the base plate, a plurality of supporting cups projected from asecond surface of the base plate, the second surface positioned oppositethe first surface, a plurality of noise removing cups projected from thesecond surface of the base plate, and a plurality of screw membersrespectively screwed to the plurality of supporting cups to allow thebase plate to float over a floor where the heating panel is placed.

Each of the plurality of holders may include a plurality of columns anda cross hole between the plurality of columns. Each of the plurality ofcolumns may have an L shape. Each of the plurality of columns may besized or dimensioned so that a pipe is inserted through the cross holeand fastened by the plurality of columns.

The plurality of columns may include two pairs of columns, and thecolumns of each of the two pairs face each other.

The heating panel may further comprise a plurality of anti-saggingprotrusions projected from the second surface of the base plate.

The plurality of anti-sagging protrusions may be substantially the sameor smaller in length than the plurality of supporting caps.

The base plate may include at least one flange on at least one edgethereof. The at least one flanges may include at least one insertinghole or at least one inserting protrusion.

The base plate may include a first flange and a second flange along twoedges thereof. The first flange may include at least one inserting hole,and the second flange may include at least one inserting protrusion.

The heating panel may be coupled with another heating panel through acoupling between the at least one inserting hole and the at least oneinserting protrusion.

The plurality of screw members may be moved up and down through theirrespective corresponding supporting cups to adjust a height of the baseplate from the floor.

The base plate, the plurality of supporting cups, the plurality ofholders, and the plurality of noise removing cups may be integrallyformed with each other. For example, the base plate, supporting cups,holders, and noise removing cups may be formed as a single body byinjection molding.

The heating panel may further comprise a plurality of reinforcing ribsformed on the base plate along an outer edge of the base plate andbetween the plurality of supporting cups and the plurality of noiseremoving cups.

Each of the plurality of columns may include a jaw. The respective jawsof two opposite columns of the plurality of columns may face each other.

Each of the plurality of columns may have an empty internal space.

Each of the plurality of screw members may include a screw body and ahead on the screw body. The head may be larger in diameter than thescrew body.

The head may be shaped as a circulate plate with a mesh pattern ofthrough holes.

The plurality of supporting cups may be evenly arranged at predeterminedintervals in a first direction of the base plate and a second directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The plurality of noise removing cups may be evenly arranged atpredetermined intervals in a first direction of the base plate and asecond direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The heating panel may further comprise a plurality of leveling membersformed on the first surface of the base plate.

The base plate may include at least one flange on at least one edgethereof, the at least one flange includes an end portion with asubstantially T-shaped extension.

The hearing panel may be coupled with a second heating panel throughengagement between the T-shaped extension of the flange of the heatingpanel and a substantially U-shaped extension formed in a flange of thesecond heating panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a heating panelassembly in which heating panels with a floating structure are coupledwith one another according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure as viewed from an upper side according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure as viewed from a lower side according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure as viewed from top according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure as viewed from bottom;

FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are plan views illustrating examples ofarrangements of a pipe according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17A is a plan view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure, wherein a substantially T-shaped extension is formedin a flange thereof, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18B is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating an example inwhich two adjacent heating panels are coupled with each other through aT-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shaped extensionof the other of the heating panels; and

FIG. 18C is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating an example inwhich two adjacent heating panels are disconnected from each otherthrough a T-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shapedextension of the other of the heating panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Theinventive concept, however, may be modified in various different ways,and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein. The same reference denotations may be used to refer to the sameor similar elements throughout the specification and the drawings. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be understood that when an element or layer isreferred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacentto” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled,or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements orlayers may be present. Throughout the specification, the description ofthe same or substantially the same elements may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a heating panelassembly in which heating panels with a floating structure are coupledwith one another according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the heating panel assembly includes a plurality ofheating panels. The plurality of heating panels are arranged and coupledwith one another in a first direction and a second directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first direction. A heating pipe p isdisposed and fastened on the heating panel assembly.

Each heating panel includes a base plate 3, a plurality of holders 10for firmly holding the heating pipe p, a plurality of supporting cups20, and a plurality of noise removing cups 30. The plurality of holders10 are arranged on the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals. Theplurality of supporting cups 20 may support the base plate 3 on thefloor where the heating panel assembly is placed. The noise removingcups 30 may function to remove noise. Screw members 25 may be screwed totheir respective corresponding supporting cups 20 so that the heatingpanel is evenly placed on the floor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure as viewed from an upper side according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective viewillustrating a heating panel with a floating structure as viewed from alower side according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating panel includes a base plate 3, aplurality of holders 10, a plurality of supporting cups 20, a pluralityof screw members 25, and a plurality of noise removing cups 30.

The base plate 3 may form an overall outer appearance of the heatingpanel. The plurality of holders 10 may be integrally formed with thebase plate 3. Each holder 10 may include a plurality of (e.g., four)L-shaped columns 11. The supporting cups 20 are arranged on the bottomof the heating panel at positions, e.g., not to overlap the holders 10.The screw members 25 may be screwed into their respective supportingcups 20 to adjust the height of the base plate 3. The noise removingcups 30 may be arranged at positions, e.g., not to overlap thesupporting cups 20. The noise removing cups 30 may be sized to be largeror smaller than the supporting cups 20.

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 isa bottom view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the heating panel is shaped as a substantiallysquare plate. The base plate 3 includes at least one flange 5 on theedge thereof. For example, two flanges 5 may be formed on two edges ofthe base plate 3 as shown in FIG. 4. Each flange 5 may selectivelyinclude inserting holes 5 a as shown in FIG. 4 and inserting protrusions5 b as shown in FIG. 5. The inserting protrusions 5 b of a heating panelmay be inserted and coupled to their corresponding inserting holes 5 aof another heating panel to couple the two heating panels. The holders10 are arranged on the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals in thefirst and second directions to firmly hold the pipe p. For example, thepipe P may be inserted and fastened by the holders 10. Each holder 10includes a cross hole 10 h substantially shaped as a plus sign (“+”).

Although an example in which the flange is flat is described,embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theflange 5 may include an extension that is shaped substantially as theletter L or U. For example, two opposite heating panels 1, respectivelyreferred to as a first heating panel 1 and a second heating panel 1, maybe coupled with each other by engaging the T-shaped extension of theflange 5 of the first heating panel 1 with the U-shaped extension of theflange 5 of the second heating panel 1. Accordingly, tight sealing maybe provided between the two opposite heating panels 1, preventing waterleakage between the heating panels 1.

The example structure of the flange 5 is described below in furtherdetail with reference to FIGS. 18A, 18B,and 18C.

Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of noise removing cups 30 may includefirst noise removing cups 31 and second noise removing cups 33.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the plurality of supporting cups 20 and theplurality of noise removing cups 30 may be projected from the bottom ofthe base plate 3. The screw members 25 may be inserted into theirrespective corresponding supporting cups 20, e.g., in a screwing manner,and may stick out beyond the respective ends of the supporting cups 20.Further, a plurality of anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be protrudedfrom the bottom of the base plate 3. The anti-sagging protrusions 35 maybe substantially the same or larger in height than the supporting cups20. The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may prevent the base plate 3 fromsagging, e.g., when mortar is poured on the baste plate 3 or the workerwalks on the base plate 3 for installing.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is across-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 7, the heating panel with a floating structure,according to an embodiment of the present invention, is installed on aconcrete slab s. The heating panel is supported on the concrete slab sby the plurality of screw members 25. The screw members 25 may beindividually moved up and down through their corresponding supportingcups 20 to adjust the height of the base plate 3. Accordingly, theheating plate may be evenly placed on the concrete slab s withoutfiddling.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base plate 3 of the heating plate mayfloat over the concrete slab s except that the screw members 25 contactthe concrete slab s.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality ofheating plates may be fitted and coupled with one another throughcoupling of inserting protrusions 5 b to inserting holes 5 a provided inthe flanges 5 of the base plates 3, forming a heating panel assembly. Apipe p for heating may be fastened onto the heating assembly by theholders 10 of the base plates 3. For example, the pipe p is insertedinto the holders 10 through the cross holes 10 h of the holders 10 andis firmly held by the holders 10, preventing the pipe p from escapingout of the holders 10.

Mortar may be put on the heating assembly, with the pipe p fitted intothe holders 10, thus forming a floor layer. The floor layer may floatover the slab s by the screw members 25 of the heating panels asillustrated in FIG. 7, thus minimizing inter-floor noise.

Specifically, the base plates 3 are floated at a predetermined distanceover the slab s thereunder while supported by the screw members 25. Thisstructure may be referred to as a floating structure herein. Thefloating structure may minimize transfer of noise or vibration from thefloor where the heating assembly is installed to a floor thereunderthrough the concrete slab s white allowing heat from the heating pipe sto be transferred in the upper direction. Accordingly, the floatingstructure may increase heating efficiency.

The base plate 3 may be formed by injection-molding, e.g., a resin orother plastics. The flanges 5, supporting cups 20, and noise removingcups 30 may be integrally formed with the base plate 3. For example, theflanges 5, supporting cups 20, and noise removing cups 30 may be formedas a single body. The screw members 5 may be detachably coupled withtheir respective corresponding supporting cups in a screwing manner.Reinforcing ribs 6 may be integrally formed on the base plate 3 topartition the supporting cups 20 and noise removing cups 30. Thereinforcing ribs 6 may be formed on the base plate 3 along an outer edgeof the base plate 3 and between the plurality of supporting cups 20 andthe plurality of noise removing cups 30.

A flange 5 formed on an edge of a base plate 3 (hereinafter, a “firstbase plate”) may have a plurality of inserting holes 5 a, and a flange 5formed on an edge of another base plate 3 (hereinafter, a “second baseplate”) may have a plurality of inserting protrusions 5 b. The insertingprotrusions 5 b of the first base plate 3 may be inserted into theinserting holes 5 a of the second base plate 3, coupling the first baseplate 3 with the second base plate 3 in a direction thereof.

Although described is an example in which the first base plate 3 iscoupled with the second base plate 3 through the inserting holes 5 a andinserting protrusions 5 b, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited thereto. For example, the two base plates 3 may be coupled witheach other through, e.g., screwing or using an adhesive formed on theflanges of the plates 3.

The reinforcing ribs 6 may be projected on the top of the base plate 3to be substantially perpendicular to the base plate 3. Each reinforcingrib 5 may be substantially shaped as a strap. The reinforcing ribs 6 mayprovide a reinforcing force to the base plate 3 against an externalforce exerted in a vertical direction of the base plate 3. The pluralityof reinforcing ribs 6 may be formed on the base plate 3 along an outeredge of the base plate 3 and between the plurality of supporting cups 20and the plurality of noise removing cups 30. The reinforcing ribs 6 maybe formed to surround the supporting cups 20 and the noise removing cups30.

Each holder 10 may include, e.g., four columns 11 projected from the topof the base plate 3, with a cross hole 10 h formed between the columns11. The heating pipe s is inserted into the holder 10 through the crosshole 10 h and is fastened by the columns 11, preventing the heating pipes from releasing from the holder 10. The heating pipe s may be arrangedthrough the cross holes of the holders 10 on the base plate 11 in thefirst or second direction of the base plate 10.

Each column 11 may be shaped substantially as the letter “L.” As shownin FIG. 2, each column 11 may have a jaw 12 for preventing the pipe sinserted into the holder 10 from releasing. The jaw 12 may be shaped asa pentahedron with two opposite triangular side surfaces and threeremaining rectangular surfaces as shown in FIG. 2. However, embodimentsof the pattern recognizer are not limited to the shape or structure ofthe jaw 12. The jaw 12 may have any other structures or shapes that mayfirmly hold the pipe 2 inserted into the holder 10. The respective jaws12 of two opposite columns 11 may prevent the pipe s inserted into theholder 10 from releasing out of the holder 10.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each column 11 mayhave an empty internal space to allow for increased structural stabilitywhile being prevented from damage when the worker does work on the baseplate 3.

Each supporting cup 20 may have a through hole 21 b through which itscorresponding screw member 25 may be inserted and coupled with thesupporting cup 20 by screwing.

Each supporting cup 20 may have at least one ribs for increasingstructural stability when the screw member 25 is screwed. As shown inFIG. 3, four ribs may be formed adjacent the through hole 21 b. Theplurality of supporting cups 20 may be evenly arrayed on the bottom ofthe base plate 3 at predetermined intervals in the first and seconddirections as shown in FIG. 3. The supporting cups 20 may be disposed atfour comers of the base plate 3 and at other positions of the base plate3 to stably support the base plate 3.

The plurality of noise removing cups 30 may have different sizes andheights.

Each screw member 25 may include a screw body 25 a and a head 25 b. Thescrew body 25 a may be shaped as a male screw or bolt screwed along anouter surface thereof. The screw body 25 a may be screwed to itscorresponding supporting cup 20 having a female screw formed along aninner surface thereof. The head 25 b is formed on the screw body 25 a.The head 25 b may have a diameter larger than the screw body 25 a. Thediameter of the head 25 b may be sized or dimensioned such that the head25 b is prevented from passing through the through hole 21 b and isexposed to the outside of the base plate 3. The head 25 b allows theworker to easily screw the screw member 25 to the supporting cup 20.

Since the head 25 b of the screw member 25 is externally exposed, theworker may easily adjust the height of the base plate 3 by simplyturning the head 25 b clockwise or counterclockwise without the need ofa separate tool.

The bottom tip of the screw body 25 a passes through the through hole 21b of the supporting cup 20 and contacts the top of the concrete slab s.Thus, the base plate 3 may be supported while floating over the concreteslab s. The screw members 25 make point contacts with the concrete slabs, thus minimizing shock, vibration, or noise transferred through theconcrete slab s.

The noise removing cups 30 may include first noise removing cups 31 andsecond noise removing cups 33. The first noise removing cup 31 and thesecond noise removing cup 33 may have different sizes and depths. Forexample, the first noise removing cups 31 may be smaller in size thanthe second noise removing cups 33. The noise removing cups 30 may beevenly arrayed on the base plate 3 at predetermined intervals in thefirst and second directions. Each noise removing cup 30 may have aprotrusion-and-depression structure as shown in the drawings.Accordingly, the noise removing cups 30, together with the supportingcups 20, may reduce noise or vibration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality ofleveling members may be formed on the base plate 3. The leveling membersmay be fitted into some or all of the first noise removing cups 31. Theleveling members, when coupled into first noise removing cups 31, mayfunction as an indicator that provides a reference as to how much mortarthe worker should put on the base plate 3. In other words, the workermay evenly put mortar over the overall base plate 3 by referencing theleveling members.

The first noise removing cups 31 and the second noise removing cups 33may be alternately and repeatedly arranged on the base plate 3 in thefirst and second directions. The base plate 3, holders 10, supportingcups, and noise removing cups 30 may be integrally formed by injectionmolding.

The supporting cups 20 and the noise removing cups 30 may be shaped ascups each having an opened top along which a projecting rim is formed.The structure of the supporting cups 20 and the noise removing cups 30may increase bonding between the base plates 3 and mortar put on thebase plates 3 and may tightly hold the mortar to prevent the hardenedmortar from cracking.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sound absorber(not shown), such as, e.g., a foaming material, methane, rubber, orunwoven fabric, may be attached on a surface of the first noise removingcup 31 and second noise removing cup 33 for increased noise removal orsound insulation.

The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be projected downward from thebottom of the baste plate 3. The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may be thesame or smaller in length than the supporting cups 20. For example, theanti-sagging protrusion 35 may be about 2 mm to about 5 mm shorter thanthe supporting cups 20 to be floated over the concrete slab s withoutcontact to the slab s when the heating panel is installed.

The anti-sagging protrusions 35 may prevent the base plate 3 from beingdamaged or deformed due to the weight of the work who installs theheating panels or from sagging to be permanently deformed by the mortarput on the base plates 3.

In other words, the anti-sagging protrusions 35 play a role as asupporting structure for the base plates 3.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are plan views illustrating examples ofarrangements of a pipe according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the heating pipe p may be installed on theheating assembly in various arrangements. For example, the heating pipep may be densely disposed where more heating is required, while sparselywhere less heating is required. The holders 10 are arrayed on the baseplate at predetermined intervals in the first and second directions, andthe holders 10 have their respective cross holes 10 h for fitting thepipe p. Accordingly, various arrangements of the pipe s may be made byputting the pipe s in the cross holes 10 h of the holders 10 accordingto the arrangement pattern desired by the user.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure as viewed from top according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a heatingpanel with a floating structure as viewed from bottom. FIG. 12 is a topview illustrating a heating panel with a floating structure according toan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectionalview taken along line D-D of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 10, the screw members 25 may have a different shape ofhead than the screw members 25 described above in connection with FIGS.1 to 9.

For example, each screw member 25 may include a screw body 25 a and amesh head 25 c. The screw body 25 a may be shaped as a male screw orbolt screwed along an outer surface thereof. The screw body 25 a may bescrewed to its corresponding supporting cup 20 having a female screwformed along an inner surface thereof. The mesh head 25 c is formed onthe screw body 25 a. The mesh head 25 c may he shaped as a circularplate with a mesh pattern of through holes 25 h. The mesh head 25 c mayhave a diameter larger than the screw body 25 a. The diameter of themesh head 25 c may be sized or dimensioned such that the mesh head 25 cis prevented from passing through the through hole 21 b and is exposedto the outside of the base plate 3. For example, the mesh head 25 c mayhave a diameter that is about 50% to about 300% of a diameter of anopened top portion of the supporting cup 20.

The mesh head 25 c allows the worker to easily screw the screw member 25to the supporting cup 20.

The mesh heads 25 c of the screw members 25 may have a mesh pattern ofthrough holes 25 h and may function as a wire mesh to increase bondingbetween the base plates 3 and mortar put on the base plates 3 whilepreventing the hardened mortar from cracking.

An example of installation of heating panels is described according toan embodiment of the present invention.

The worker measures the area of a concrete slab s targeted forinstallation of the heating panels 1. The worker mutually couplesprepared heating panels 1 to arrange the coupled heating panels 1 on theoverall concrete slab s in the first and second directions.

The worker inserts a heating pipe p in the holders 10 through the crossholes 10 h of the holders 10 to have a desired arrangement pattern. Theholders 10, specifically, the columns 11 of the holders 10, may firmlyfasten the pipe p to prevent the pipe p from releasing, thus maintainingthe arranged pattern of the pipe p.

The worker puts mortar on the heating panels 1, with the pipe p fastenedon the base plates 3, forming a base floor. The worker may put tiles orfloor paper on the base floor.

FIG. 17A is a plan view illustrating a heating panel with a floatingstructure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17Bis a side view illustrating a heating panel with a floating structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring FIGS. 17A and 17B, a leveling member 40 may be formed on thebase plate 3. According to an embodiment of the present invention, aplurality of leveling members 40 may be formed on the base plate 3. Theleveling members 40 may be fitted into some or all of the first noiseremoving cups 31. However, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited thereto. For example, the plurality of leveling members 40 maybe arranged on the base plate 3 not to overlap the holders 10, thesupporting cups 20, and the noise removing cups 30. For example, aplurality of depressions (not shown) may be formed in the base plate 3,and the leveling members 40 may be inserted into some or all of thedepressions. The leveling members 40, when coupled into first noiseremoving cups 31, may function as an indicator that provides a referenceas to how much mortar the worker should put on the base plate 3. Inother words, the worker may evenly put mortar over the overall baseplate 3 by referencing the leveling members.

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heating panel with afloating structure, wherein a substantially T-shaped extension is formedin a flange thereof, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 18B is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating anexample in which two adjacent heating panels are coupled with each otherthrough a T-shaped extension of one of the heating panels and a U-shapedextension of the other of the heating panels. FIG. 18C is an expandedcross-sectional view illustrating an example in which two adjacentheating panels are disconnected from each other through a T-shapedextension of one of the heating panels and a U-shaped extension of theother of the heating panels.

Referring to FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, a flange 5 of a first heatingpanel 1 may include an end portion with a substantially T-shapedextension 5 c along the edge of the flange 5, and a flange 5 of a secondheating panel 1 coupled with the first heating panel 1 may include anend portion with a substantially U-shaped extension 5 d along the edgeof the flange 5. The T-shaped extension 5 c sticks out partially in adirection substantially parallel to the base plate 3 and partially in adirection substantially perpendicular to the base plate 3. Thevertically extending portion of the T-shaped extension 5 c of the firstheating panel 1 may be fittingly engaged into the U-shaped extension 5 dof the second heating panel 1, with the parallel extending portion ofthe T-shaped at least partially covering a top portion of the U-shapedextension 5 d. Accordingly, tight sealing may be provided between thetwo opposite heating panels, preventing water leakage between theheating panels 1. The top portion of the U-shaped extension 5 d may havea step where the parallel extending portion of the T-shaped extension 5c may be placed, thus allowing the first and second heating panels 1positioned substantially co-planar with respect to each other.

While the inventive concept has been shown and described with referenceto exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may bemade thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinventive concept as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heating panel, comprising: a base plate; aplurality of holders formed on a first surface of the base plate; aplurality of supporting cups projected from a second surface of the baseplate, the second surface positioned opposite the first surface; aplurality of noise removing cups projected from the second surface ofthe base plate; and a plurality of screw members respectively screwed tothe plurality of supporting cups to allow the base plate to float over afloor where the heating panel is placed.
 2. The heating panel of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of holders includes a plurality ofcolumns and a cross hole between the plurality of columns, wherein eachof the plurality of columns has an L shape, and wherein each of theplurality of columns is sized or dimensioned so that a pipe is insertedthrough the cross hole and fastened by the plurality of columns.
 3. Theheating panel of claim 2, wherein the plurality of columns include twopairs of columns, and the columns of each of the two pairs face eachother.
 4. The heating panel of claim 1, further comprising a pluralityof anti-sagging protrusions projected from the second surface of thebase plate.
 5. The heating panel of claim 4, wherein the plurality ofanti-sagging protrusions are substantially the same or smaller in lengththan the plurality of supporting caps.
 6. The heating panel of claim 1,wherein the base plate includes at least one flange on at least one edgethereof, the at least one flanges including at least one inserting holeor at least one inserting protrusion.
 7. The heating panel of claim 1,wherein the base plate includes a first flange and a second flange alongtwo edges thereof, the first flange including at least one insertinghole and the second flange including at least one inserting protrusion.8. The heating panel of claim 7, wherein the heating panel is coupledwith another heating panel through a coupling between the at least oneinserting hole and the at least one inserting protrusion.
 9. The heatingpanel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of screw members are moved upand down through their respective corresponding supporting cups toadjust a height of the base plate from the floor.
 10. The heating panelof claim 1, wherein the base plate, the plurality of supporting cups,the plurality of holders, and the plurality of noise removing cups areintegrally formed with each other.
 11. The heating panel of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed on the baseplate along an outer edge of the base plate and between the plurality ofsupporting cups and the plurality of noise removing cups.
 12. Theheating panel of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of columnsincludes a jaw, and wherein respective jaws of two opposite columns ofthe plurality of columns face each other.
 13. The heating panel of claim2, wherein each of the plurality of columns has an empty internal space.14. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of screwmembers includes a screw body and a head on the screw body, the headbeing larger in diameter than the screw body.
 15. The heating panel ofclaim 14, wherein the head is shaped as a circulate plate with a meshpattern of through holes.
 16. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein theplurality of supporting cups are evenly arranged at predeterminedintervals in a first direction of the base plate and a second directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first direction.
 17. The heatingpanel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of noise removing cups areevenly arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction of thebase plate and a second direction substantially perpendicular to thefirst direction.
 18. The heating panel of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of leveling members formed on the first surface of the baseplate.
 19. The heating panel of claim 1, wherein the base plate includesat least one flange on at least one edge thereof, the at least oneflange including an end portion with a substantially T-shaped extension.20. The heating panel of claim 19, wherein the heating panel is coupledwith a second heating panel through engagement between the T-shapedextension of the flange of the heating panel and a substantiallyU-shaped extension formed in a flange of the second heating panel.